Maharaja
Ranjit Singh was born on 13th November 1780 at Gujranwala in Punjab. His
father Sardar Mahan Singh was a Chieftain and a Warrior.

At a young age,
Maharaja Ranjit Singh became a Champion Swimmer, an Expert Horse-Rider and
an Able Swordsman. He was greatly inspired by the fact that Guru Gobind
Singh ji's two elder sons had fought the Mughals very bravely at the
tender age of 14 and 17.

Maharaja Ranjit
Singh led his first war at the age of 11 years and defeated the army
of the ruler of Gujrat. Later he fought two severe battles with the
Afghans, with a smaller army and took over the city of Lahore. After
decades of misrule by foreign invaders, the people of Lahore heaved a sigh
of relief when the Maharaja assured the citizens of safety and good
administration. Under Ranjit Singh's leadership, the various Sikh Chiefs
were united and on Baisakhi day of 1801, they conferred the title of
'MAHARAJA OF THE PUNJAB" on him.

Maharaja Ranjit
Singh systematically extended the frontiers of Punjab and brought the
regions around Amritsar, Lahore, Multan, Kashmir and Peshawar under his
rule. He never became proud or arrogant despite all the victories won by
him. He was a liberal ruler and did not bother about the colour, creed,
caste or nationalities of his employees. He engaged a number of English,
Italian, German, French and American Officers. They trained the Maharaja's
Army and improved its organisation & efficiency.

Maharaja Ranjit
Singh's army was full of men from different faiths and nationalities, but
there was no jealousy or bickering between them. His court was
cosmopolitan - consisting of Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims, all of whom loved
him dearly. He never sat on a throne nor did he wear a crown. He sat on a
silver chair and dressed in a simple and sober manner. He ruled in a
Democratic manner and never isolated himself from the masses. He was a
very kind and generous ruler. He ruled in a truly Secular and just manner.
He allowed equal rights for all communities in Punjab. He also encouraged
development of educational institutions and industries by the different
communities.

The British
signed a peace-treaty with Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1809 and did not dare
to touch his kingdom till after he died in 1839. He was called as the LION
OF PUNJAB (SHERE-PUNJAB) and is still remembered as a great king, very
humble person and an excellent warrior. He was also responsible for
covering the Golden Temple in Amritsar with pure gold.

He owned the
rare KOHINOOR diamond which was later stolen by the British and is today
used for studding the crown of the Queen in London.

Bhai
Tara
Singh
Ji

Bhai Tara
Singh was a Jat Sikh resident of village Van, in the district of Amritsar. He
was truly a saint-soldier. He was a highly religious man, with a kindly,
generous heart. At the same time, he was a strong, brave, and fearless fighter.
He was very popular with the Sikhs. He was always in the forefront of every Panthic
undertaking. He had already won laurels in the campaign of Baba Banda Singh. He
was most energetic and fearless in helping his brothers in faith, as well as
others in need. His doors were open to receive everyone in need or trouble. He
ran a free kitchen for all. Sahib Rai, Lambardar of Naushera, was proud,
cruel, and haughty. He was a tyrant. He used to let loose his horses in the
green field of the Sikhs. No one dared to drive them out. The Sikh peasants bore
this quietly for a long time. Then they decided to meet him and request him to
give up letting loose his horses in their fields. they said, 'Your horses eat
away our crops. We have no other means of making a living. We are being driven
to starvation. If you desire, we shall supply green fodder for your horses every
day. Please don't let them loose in our crops.'

The Lambardar became furious. 'What is all this nonsense ?' said he. 'You are
really an ungrateful lot. Don't you know what attitude the Muhammedan rulers
have towards you Sikhs ? It is indeed risky for me to let you live in my
village. I give you shelter in spite of the risk. What thanks do I get from you
? Be careful. My horses will go about at their free will. If you misbehave
again, I shall report against you to the Mughal authorities. Then you will learn
what it means to insult a Lambardar of their. You talk of my horses trespassing
into your fields. Take care lest my scissors should trespass into your beards
and long hair.' By this he meant that he would cut off their hair and beards.
The poor Sikh peasants were convinced that the Lambardar would not change his
ways. He would not let them live in peace. They felt that continued stay in
village meant want, hunger and starvation. He might even do something far worse.
So they decided to leave the village. Bhai Tara Singh heard of their sad plight.
He sent for them. He undertook to give them food and lodging until they could
make some suitable arrangements for themselves. They readily accepted his
invitation and hospitality. They came to live in his village.

Sahib Rai's horses continued to graze freely in the peasants' green fields. But
peasants did not dare complain. Some daring Sikhs from Bhai Tara Singh's village
decided to punish the haughty Lambardar. They drove away his horses in broad
daylight. They sold them in a far off place. The money so obtained was used
towards meeting at expenses of feeding the refugees from Naushera. Thereupon,
Sahib Rai lodged a complaint with Mirza Jaffer Beg, Faujdar of Patti. He said to
him, Tara Singh is an old rebel. He is very dangerous. He gives shelter to
thieves, dacoits, and bad characters. The commit raids all over the land. The
lives and property of the people are insecure. An example must be made of this
dangerous rebel. Otherwise others will begin to imitate him. A widespread unrest
will be the result.' The faujdar chose to believe every word spoken by Sahib Rai.
He was a cruel, fanatic Muslim. He was always on the look out for an excuse and
opportunity to haul up and punish Sikhs. He sent a detachment of 25 mounted
soldiers and 80 foot soldiers to proceed against Bhai Tara Singh. They intended
to take the village by a surprise attack at dead of night. But their plan was
foiled by a brave saint-soldier, Bhai Baghel Singh.

This brave Khalsa happened, at that hour, to be out in the jungle near the
village. He saw the soldiers approaching the village. He immediately understood
what their mission was. He decided to block their way so that Bhai Tara Singh
and his companions should not be taken by surprise. With a shout of 'Sat Sri
Akal,' he suddenly fell upon the advancing soldiers, as a tiger would fall upon
a flock of sheep. With a one stroke he cut off the head of a nephew of Jaffer
Beg. Other nephew met the same fate. Many more soldiers were cut down by him
before he was overpowered. He died fighting like a true saint-soldier. The noise
of fight roused Bhai Tara Singh and his companions. They rushed out to meet the
invaders. But the latter took to their heels before Bhai Tara Singh could give
them battle. Mirza Jaffer Beg hurried to Lahore and reported the whole matter to
Khad Bahadur Zakriya Khan, governor of Lahore. The latter at once dispatched a
strong force against Bhai Tara Singh. It consisted of two thousand and two
hundred fully armed horsemen. They had forty cannons and five elephants. The
force was under the command of Momin Khan. With all that force, Momin Khan was
to proceed against Bhai Tara Singh and his 22 companions. Such was the terror
which the brave Sikhs inspired in the Mughal rulers' hearts. The news of this
expedition was conveyed to Bhai Tara Singh by a secret messenger from the Sikhs
of Lahore. Another man, named Ghumanda, offered to act as a scout for the Lahore
army. At the same time, he sent information to Bhai Tara Singh.

Some men went to Bhai Tara Singh. They advised him to go away and take shelter
in the jungle. But he refused to save his life by flight. He thought that to run
away would be a cowardly act, unbecoming of a Khalsa. He was determined to face
death with boldness, and sell his life very dearly. The invaders came at
nightfall. They surrounded the village. As they advanced to attack, they were
greeted with a rain of shots and arrows. Bhai Tara Singh and his 22 companions
held the army at bay during the night. They were able to inflict heavy losses on
the enemy. The invaders were very near losing their hearts. They got the
impression that Bhai Tara Singh had a very large force with him. They began to
doubt their own power to succeed against him. But the rising of the sun betrayed
the true number of Bhai Tara Singh's men. The invaders regained courage. They
renewed their attack. Bhai Tara Singh and his men fought with wonderful bravery.
One by one, his men fell martyrs after performing wonderful feats of valor and
swordsmanship. At length, Bhai Tara Singh was left alone. He sprang to the
enemy's ranks, roaring like a lion. With his sword he cut his way to the spot
where Momin Khan was. The latter was riding on an elephant. Bhai Tara Singh
aimed a heavy blow at Momin Khan. But as he leapt up to reach the man, he
surrounded by a large number of Mughal soldiers. They fell upon him from all
sides and cut him to the ground. Thus did Bhai Tara Singh die gloriously after a
valiant fight against heavy odds. He fell in a noble cause. He sacrificed his
life in order to serve and save his brothers in faith. He was thus a true
martyr. His memory is cherished by the Sikhs, as of course, it richly deserves
to be.

His martyrdom
occurred in the year 1727 A.D.

Saheed
Bhai Mani Singh Ji

Bhai
Mani Singh was born at a village named Kailbowal. The village was later
destroyed during Nadar Shah's invasion. Its ruins are near Sunam, district
Patiala. His father was a Jat Sikh, named Chaudri Kala. His parents called him
Mania. When he was about five years of age, his parents visited Anadpur. They
did so to see and pay homage to Guru Tegh Bahadur. Guru Gobind Singh, then known
as Gobind Rai, was about the same age as Mania. They became playmates and
friends. When Chaudri Kala and his wife decided to return home, Mania refused to
accompany them. He expressed a wish to stay at Anandpur and play with Gobind Rai.
His wish was granted. He became a life-long companion and devoted Sikh of Guru
Gobind Singh. Mata Gujri took charge of Mania. She treated him like her own son.
The playmates lived together, dined together, played together and learnt
together. Mania became a great scholar.

When Guru Gobind Singh
introduced his new baptismal or Amrit ceremony, he baptised his playmate Mania,
too. Thereupon, Mania became Mani Singh. the Guru held him in high esteem and
consulted him on all matters. When Guru Gobind Singh evacuated Anandpur in 1704,
Bhai Mani Singh was with him. Under the Guru's orders, he conducted Mata Sahib
Kaur and Mata Sundri to Delhi. There he busied himself in serving them. In
1705-06 he accompanied them to Damdama Sahib. There under Guru Gobind Singh's
direction, he wrote a copy of Guru Granth Sahib. Later he accompanied the Guru
to the Deccan. When the Guru was about to depart from this world, he sent Bhai
Mani Singh to Delhi alone with Mata Sahib Kaur. At Delhi, he busied himself in
serving Mata Sahib Kaur and Mata Sundri. He also did much to preach and
popularise the Sikh faith. After the martyr of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur some
Sikhs began to regard him (Banda Singh) as Guru. They were called Bandeis. But
the strict followers of Guru Gobind Singh, or Tatt Khalsa, believed that the
system of personal Guruship had ended with the Tenth Guru. The Bandeis began to
claim that they should have an equal share in the management of the Gurdwaras
and other affairs of the Panth. But the Tat Khalsa refused to accept this claim.
They did not favor such divisions in the Panth. Still, the Bandeis persisted in
their claim. Much tension was created between the two parties.

Mata
Sundri, who was residing at Delhi, became aware of these troubles. She sent Bhai
Mani Singh to Amritsar, with Sri Kirpal Singh, the maternal uncle of Guru Gobind
Singh. He was charged with the duty of bringing about peace and unity among
Singh. He was appointed Granthi (or head priest) of the Darbar Sahib. He was
asked to organise the service in the Gurdwara and to manage its affairs. He was
further told by her, 'Don't send any money from the offerings to me. The whole
income should be spent there. It should be spent in maintaining the service,
langar, and other needs of the institution. Bhai Mani Singh and his companion
arrived at Amritsar in the beginning of 1721. In the consultation with the
notables of the city, they put the affairs of the Gurdwara in order. A few days
later it was the Vaisakhi fair. Elaborate arrangements were made for the grand
celebrations. Thousands of Sikhs gathered around the tank. The Tatt Khalsa and
the Bandeis also gathered in large numbers. They were preparing to come to
blows. But Bhai Mani Singh came between them and saved the situation. He
suggested that instead of fighting, they should decided their claim be casting
lots. He took two slips of paper. On one he wrote, 'WaheGuru Ji Ki Fateh'.
These words were used by the Tatt Khalsa when meeting and saluting each other.
On the other slip he wrote, 'Fateh Darshan'. These words were used by the
Bandeis for the same purpose. Both slips were immersed in the water at Har Ki
Pauri. The agreement was that the party whose slip rose first to the surface,
would be considered to have carried the day. For some time neither slip came up
to the surface. It seemed as if both the slips had sunk for ever. The parties
stood in great suspense. At long last, the slip with Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh came
to the surface. The Tatt Khalsa was declared to have won. The Bandeis took it as
the Guru's verdict. They agreed to give up their claim.

In this
way, on account of Bhai Mani Singh's wisdom and sweetness, the dispute was
settled in a peaceful manner. Bhai Mani Singh was the most learned and respected
man of his time. As Granthi of Darbar Sahib, he did very valuable work for the
Panth. His masterly exposition of Gurbani was appreciated by all. It drew an
immense congregation every day. His saintly life and affectionate manners won
everybody's esteem and admiration. He wrote a number of scholarly books, like
the Gyan Ratnavali. He also compiled the Dasam Granth. For years the Muslim
rulers had carried on a large scale massacre of the Sikhs. All efforts was made
to prevent the Sikhs from assembling in their favorite shrine, the Darbar Sahib,
Amritsar. Therefore, for years the Diwali festival had not been held there. In
the year 1738, Bhai Mani Singh applied to the governor of Lahore for permission
to hold the Diwali festival in the Gurdwara. Permission was given on condition
that Bhai Mani Singh should pay to the government 5000 rupees after the affair.
The fair was to last for ten days. Bhai Mani Singh hoped that he would be able
to pay the sum out of offerings to be made by the Sikh visitors. He issued
invitation to the Sikhs of all places. In response to that invitation, thousands
of them started from their homes.

But the
governor's intentions were not good or friendly. He sent a large force to
Amritsar under the command of Diwan Lakhpat Rai. This man was a bitter and sworn
enemy of the Khalsa. The governor said that the force was intended to keep
order. But the real purpose was to prevent the Sikhs from gathering in large
numbers. The force was stay at Ram Tirath, near Amritsar. It was to march
towards the city on the day of the fair. Seeing it advancing towards the city,
the Sikhs would be frightened, and would disperse of their own accord. Bhai Mani
Singh knew that Mughals don't like Sikhs so they are here to kill the Sikhs
because a large number of Khalsa was going to gather. So Bhai Mani Singh issued
an order to all Sikhs to not to come to the festival. Bhai Mani Singh refused to
make the payment because he said no fair was held. He was arrested for his
failure to make the payment. He was taken to Lahore in chains. There he was
condemned to death by tortures. He was told that he could save his life by
embracing Islam. He stoutly and resolutely refused to give up his religion.
Orders were given that his body should be cut to pieces, limb by limb. As
the executioner started his work, Bhai Mani Singh sat calm and serene. He was
absorbed in meditating on God and repeating the Guru's word.

Bhai
Mani Singh was martyred about one month after the day on which Diwali festival
was to have held in 1738. His Sahid Ganj is outside the Masti Gat of Lahore, and
near the Lahore fort.

Bhai
Mani Singh was a great Sikh scholar and martyr who was the scribe of the final
version of the Guru Granth Sahib under the guidance of Guru Gobind Singh and who
compiled the Dasam Granth following the death of Guru Gobind Singh. Bhai Mani
Singh was born to Jat parents at the village of Sunam in 1670. He was the
younger brother of Bhai Dyala who was martyred along with Guru Tegh Bahadur in
1675. Bhai Mani Singh was raised from a young age with Guru Gobind Singh by the
Gurus mother Mata Gujri. Bhai Mani Singh became a great preacher of Sikhism and
spent almost a year with Guru Gobind Singh at Damdama Sahib compiling the final
and current version of the Guru Granth Sahib in 1705. After the death of Guru
Gobind Singh, Bhai Mani Singh was installed as the head granthi at the Golden
Temple in 1721. Here he produced many works on Sikhism and under the insistence
of Guru Gobind Singhs widow Mata Sundri compiled the works of Guru Gobind Singh
and produced the Dasam Granth. In 1737 Bhai Mani Singh took permission from the
muslim governor of Lahore for the Sikhs to celebrate Diwali at the Golden Temple
on the payment of Rs. 5,000 as tax, a practice which had been banned. Not enough
people attended Diwali that year because they were afraid of the muslim
authorities and as a result not enough money was collected. The muslim
authorities arrested Bhai Mani Singh and publicly executed him in Lahore.

Bhai
Taru Singh Ji

Zakriya
Khan was carrying on a cruel, all-out campaign against the Khalsa. Hence, all
daring and desperate Sikhs had gone away to places where the Mughal armies dared
not to trouble them. So they had become out of the reach of the government.
However, in several small villages there yet lived some gentle, harmless Sikhs.
They were peaceful and peace loving by nature. daring military adventures were
against their natures. They were averse to active clashes with the government.
They wanted to live and work in peace. They kept themselves engaged in peaceful
pursuits. At the same time, they practiced the main principles of life taught by
their Gurus. They earned their living by honest labour; they shared their honest
earnings with those in need, irrespective of cast or creed; they recited Gurbani
and kept meditating on God. They were friends and helpers of all who needed
help. Such persons were loved and honoured by their neighbours; yes; even by their
Muslim neighbours. One such Sikh was Bhai Taru Singh. He was a Jat living in
Poola, a small village in the present district of Amritsar. He was a young man
of 25. He was very gentle, kind hearted and pious. He loved a peaceful life. He
enjoyed helping and serving those who needed his services and help. He loved all
and he was loved by honoured by all.

As we have seen, most of the daring, adventurous Sikhs had been driven from
their homes. They lived in forests. One such place was Baba Buddha's Bir. It was
quite near Bhai Taru Singh's village. Bhai Taru Singh took special pains to
serve these exiled brethren of his. He cultivated his fields. Most of what he
produced was offered to those whom the iron rule had driven into the wilderness.
His aged mother and youthful sister were gentle and pious like him. They took
delight in assisting him in every way. What they did for their exiled brethren
was this. The two ladies ground the grain and baked cakes of bread. Usually, the
cakes were made of a mixture of wheat and gram flour, salted and spiced. At
night, Bhai Taru Singh took a basketful of them into the jungle nearby. He also
carried a bucketful of milk. His exiled brethren used to be waiting for him. He
distributed the cakes and milk among them. He used to sit and talk with them
during a good part of the night. Sometimes, he happened to have learnt of some
fresh government move against them. He warned them of it.

This went on for some years. As already mentioned one particular vile, mean
enemy of the Khalsa. He was Harbhagat of Jandiala. He was ever at pans to harm
the Sikhs. He found out about the work being done by Bhai Taru Singh. He was cut
to the quick to hear that Bhai Taru Singh was very popular with his neighbours,
even with his Muhammadan neighbours. He decided to put an end to Bhai Taru
Singh's life and activities. So determined he went to Zakriya Khan. he said to
him, 'In a small village named Poola, there lives a dangerous rebel Sikh. His
name is Taru Singh. He has the outward garb of a gentle, innocent, peace loving
man of religion. But really, he is a wolf in sheep's clothing. He is a friend
and helper of thieves and dacoits. He helps and shelter men of bad character. He
also supplies milk and food to Sikhs living in the jungles. Your orders are that
nobody should help or harbor these outlaws. He does both. He thus disobeys your
orders. He is a dangerous rebel. He should be hauled up and punished. Zakriya
Khan rewarded Harbhagat for this useful information. He sent a body of armed men
to arrest Bhai Taru Singh and bring him to Lahore. His men went to posthaste to
Poola. They arrested Bhai Taru Singh and he was taken to Lahore. There he was
put in prison. In the prison he was subjected to severe, inhuman tortures for
many days. He was asked to embrace Islam and get his hair cut. He was told, 'If
you do that, you will be given in marriage a beautiful damsel of high Mughal
family. You will be given riches and high position. You will lead a life of
happiness and pleasure. If you refuse, you hair will be forcibly cut, you will
be subjected to still severer tortures.'

'Finally,
you will beheaded or broken on the wheel. Be well advised. Don't throw away your
life and all that it can offer you.' Bhai Taru Singh firmly and defiantly
refused to give up his faith. He said, 'Even if I were offered kingship of the
whole world, even if all the beauties of Paradise were offered to me as my
personal servants, even if the treasure of the entire world were placed at my
feet, I would not give up my religion. It is far more precious and dear
than all these. I would not let my hair be cut, not even a single hair. I am
prepared to die. May God and the Guru let me die with my hair all intact.'
Zakriya Khan said, 'Your God and Guru are powerless here. I am here to grant
your prayer. Your hair shall not be cut. It will remain intact. Your scalp along
with the hair shall be scraped off. What do you say to that ?' Bhai Taru Singh
replied, 'That will be very good of you, indeed. Kill me in any manner that you
like. Be quick. I am eager to join my martyred brethren at the feet of the
Almighty and All-loving Father of all.'

Zakriya Khan gave the orders. Bhai Taru Singh was taken to the Nakhas, outside
the Delhi gate. Thousands had been butchered there in the near past. A shoemaker
was ordered to scrape off Bhai Taru Singh's scalp. Bhai Taru Singh stood the
ordeal bravely. He went on reciting Japji and repeating the name of God. The
scalp with the hair intact was scraped off. It was thrown before him. He bowed,
and thanked God and the Guru. He was thankful that his hair had not been cut.
After that, he was taken back to the prison. The tortures were repeated. After a
few days he let his soul fly from his body and go to the feet of the All-loving
Father. This happened on the 1st of July 1745. His torturer, Zakriya Khan, had
died a few hours before him, after having borne intense suffering. He had an
attack of kidney pain. He could not pass urine. His abdomen swelled up till
breathing became difficult. In this hour of terrible suffering, he thought
within himself, 'I have put a saintly, innocent person to horrible tortures. May
be my agony is due to that act of mine.' He sent a messenger to Bhai Taru Singh,
asking for forgiveness. Bhai Taru Singh said, 'I have no ill-will against him.
All happens as willed by God. As far as I am concerned, he is forgiven. But he
will have to render an account of his doings. The inmates of hell are waiting to
welcome him.'

As soon as these words were spoken, Zakriya Khan was able to pass urine. His
abdomen subsided. His pain was gone. But he died a few hours before Bhai Taru
Singh's soul was released from his body.

Sardar
Hari Singh Nalua

How
the vast Afghani Empire on Punjabi soil disappeared in Kasur, Multan, Kashmir
and Peshawar is a subject closely associated with the campaigns of Sardar Hari
Singh Nalua, the Marshal of the Khalsa and terror for the Afghans. Being the 'Murat
of the Khalsa' as he was appropriately called by Sir Henry Griffin, the famous
British dignitary and a prominent writer of significant treatise on the Sikhs,
his name figures among those patriots who participated bravely rather
passionately in almost all battles fought constantly against the Afghans during
the Sikh rule under Maharaja Ranjit Singh for a period of three decades from
A.D. 1807 to A.D. 1837.

Sardar Hari Singh Nalua,
the typical product of his age was born at Gujranwala now in the West Pakistan
in A.D. 1791 in Uppal family in the house of Sardar Gurdial Singh to Dharam Kaur.
He was the only son of his parents. The ancestors of Nalua Sardars were
originally from Majitha town situated in the vicinity of Amritsar. His
grandfather Sardar Hardas Singh engaged in the service of Sukarchakia Misl was
killed in an expedition undertaken by the Misl in A.D. 1762. Gurdial Singh, the
father of Sardar Hari Singh Nalua followed the profession of his father and took
part in various campaigns of Sukarchakia Sardars - Charat Singh and Mahan Singh
in the capacity of Deradar .

He expired in 1798
when Hari Singh was only seven years of age and was thus looked after with care
and caution by his maternal uncle who took him to his house. In those days
training in the feats of war was deemed necessary and physical education
attracted much attention. Accordingly, Hari Singh who was physically quite stout
and strong and impressive too in appearance when grew up, learnt the art of
warfare. It is said that he was indefatigable and could sit on horse back for
long hours. Hari Singh received his preliminary education in languages of
Gurmukhi, Urdu, Persian. Baron Charles Hugel states that Hari Singh besides his
general knowledge about the statistics of many of the European states, was well
versed in Persian. He impressed him extremely with his overall achievements.

Hari
Singh was administered Pahul when grew up and assumed the responsibility of
supervising the affairs of his father's jagir. Hari Singh presented himself
before Maharaja Ranjit Singh in his open darbar which he used to hold for a week
or so on the eve of Basant fair every year. The Maharaja was so impressed by the
feats of chivalry shown by him that he was taken in the royal service as a
personal khidmatgar or an attendant. Maharaja commissioned him in 1804 A.D. by
granted him a command of 700 footmen and horses with the honour of Sardar. Why
Hari Singh is called "Nalua" and not Uppal. The reason is that he came
to be know by the said title by way of an incident which took place during the
early days of his joining the service of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. During the
course of hunting expedition he happened to be a victim of a sudden attack of a
tiger. The attack was so subtle and unexpected that he did not gain time to pull
out his sword. Sardar Hari Singh Nalua faced the crucial situation with such
boldness that he managed to catch hold of the jaw of the beast forcefully with
his hands and pushed it away with the prowess of arms arranging thus to kill it
with his sword. Baron Charles Hugel says he was called Nalua for 'having cloven
the head of a tiger who had already seized him as its pray'.

The Sikhs often passing
through a series of vicissitudes, first establish themselves as a political
power in the Punjab in 1765 A.D. But their mode of fighting then was desultory
and hardly suited to the requirements of a well-settled state, However Maharaja
Ranjit Singh 'Built up a strong , centralised and effectively controlled
military system by amalgamating the best elements in foreign with best elements
found in the indigenous fighting mechanisms. Hari Singh Nalua's significant
military campaign was that of Kasur, the so called 'mythological rival of
Lahore', in 1807 A.D. Hari Singh Nalua along with Sardar Jodh Singh Ramgarhia,
Sardar Nihal Singh Attari, Baba Akali Phula Singh, Fateh Singh Ahluwalia, Dhanna
Singh Malwai, and Sardar Fateh Singh Kalianwala marched on to Kasur to subjugate
its Afghani owner Kutab-ud-din Khan. Sikhs laid siege for three months after
which Kutab-ud-din Khan surrendered. Hari Singh Nalua, of course, was the first
to march inside the city gate of Kasur with his division called 'Sher-Dil-Rajman.'
The troops under him caught Kutab-Ud-Din alive and presented him before Maharaja
Ranjit Singh. Maharaja Ranjit Singh made him retire to a territory of Mamdot as
a jagir, subject to his supplying 100 horsemen for service when required.

Sardar Hari Singh Nalua's
next significant military achievement was to reduce to submission Sardar Jiwan
Singh, the ruler of Sialkot who was asked by the Maharaja to surrender his
possessions. Jiwan Singh gave tough fight for two days after which he raised his
hands in peace. The strategic significance of Sialkot lay in the fact that it
was a very fertile tract extending its dimensions up to Jammu. Moreover,
Maharaja Ranjit Singh after bringing to submission a major part of the Central
Punjab made it a centre of his further political aggrandisement.

Hari Singh Nalua's next
significant military achievement was the conquest of Multan. before annexing
Multan in 1818 A.D., six expeditions were sent by the suzerain of Lahore.
Resultantly tribute was collected every time, annexation was never visualised
and attempted. Hari Singh contributed in all of these six campaigns as well as
conquest of Multan. Multan had a great commercial and strategic importance
having been the gateway of Afghanistan. It is stated that working boats from the
Jhelum, Ravi and Chenab were forced to work for invariable supply of provisions.
Illahi Bux of the artillery forces of Ranjit Singh made conspicuous arrangements
for battering the forts of Multan. During Mughal rule it was an important
headquarter and fell into Afghan custody after the fall of empire. After Multan,
Sardar Hari Singh also subjugated the territories of Mitha Tiwana, Rajauri,
Naushera, etc. from which strip tribute was realised for the kingdom of Lahore.

Then Maharaja turned
towards Kashmir. Hari Singh Nalua's regiment was in forefront in campaign to get
back Shah Shuja from the Governor of Kashmir, Shah Shuja's wife Wafa Begum had
promised Kohinoor Diamond for Maharaja if her husband was to be freed from
prison of Kashmir. In 1814 A.D., Hari Singh forces routed Kashmiris forces. Shah
Shuja gave Ranjit Singh Kohinoor Diamond, from that day on till his death
Maharaja Ranjit Singh wore that Diamond on his right shoulder, it was his pride.
Hari Singh Nalua was appointed Governor of Kashmir. Immediately, he ordered to
ban cow slaughter, such was an effect that to this day, Kashmiri Muslims don't
eat beef. Jaziya, etc , the taxes which Hindu and Sikh population had to pay to
their Muslim rulers for "not being a Muslim" were eradicated. For
these obvious reasons, several Muslim historian had labelled Hari Singh Nalua as
a tyrant. His rule they called "Sikha Shahi" or the "Rule of
Sikhs." But no matter what, Hari Singh Nalua and his forces never destroyed
any Mosques or abducted Muslim Women, etc. all those atrocities which Mughals
and Pathans had committed on the local non-Muslims population. (It was around
1700's A.D that majority of Punjabi population became Muslim owing to the
atrocities by Aurangzeb the sixth Mughal emperor) .

The Afghanis of North West
region across river Indus around Peshawar were divided into several tribes (They
still are). They were sort of savage people which would not obey any rule. From
time to time the Punjabi forces from Lahore were sent there to put them down.
Each time they would offer some tribute and then again revolt. To totally take
control of these areas Maharaja Ranjit Singh give command to Hari Singh Nalua.
Also to stop the attacks of Afghanis on Punjabi soil, Maharaja Ranjit Singh and
others decided to put a series of forts to built up the defences of the Punjabi
frontier. From Attock to the Khyber Pass series of small forts were built under
Hari Singh Nalua to keep Afghanis in check. The most important part of this
fortification was to put a complete halt at invaders who had attacked India
entering from Khyber pass in West, starting with Greeks in 500 B.C.. So after
2300 Years of constant defeat and humiliation of Punjabi and Indian people
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was able to totally shut down this historic route of
invasion into India. It had been used by Greeks, Turks, Arabs, Mughals, Mongols,
Tatars, Afghanis, etc. And on top of that there is no denying fact that Maharaja
Ranjit Singh was quite conscious of the significance of North West frontier
province for the defence of his territorial acquisitions.

A significant battle was
fought here by Hari Singh Nalua when he defeated and caught the self styled
Rajput chief Ghulam ali and send him over to Lahore. Maharaja was so happy that
he allowed Hari Singh to strike a coin in his name in Kashmir. Then in the tract
of Pakhli and Dhamtur Nalua with his usual sagacity and vision, was able to
pacify a revolt against the Lahore court arising in the region. This is also
acknowledged by Syed Mohd. Latif, a biased famous Punjabi Muslim historian.
Henry Lepel Griffin in connection with Sardar Nalua in Pakhli states
"obedience was not an easy to Hari Singh for wild mountaineers to the
number of 20,000 opposed to his passage, on this way to mankera and at Pakli he
was compelled to halt with his force of 7,000 men. Pakli has long been a spot
dreaded by merchants, for the hill men of that place were accustomed to demand a
toll on shawl, wood and other merchandise. Hari Singh after vain efforts to
induce the enemy to yield him a passage, attacked them with vigour, and storming
their blockades defeated them with great slaughter. After this he imposed a fine
of Rs 5 on each house in the district.

Since virtually peace in
Punjab was only possible by sealing the border of Kabul, and Peshawar being
geographically situated in its close proximity was an indispensable asset for
Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Thus, ultimately the strip of Peshawar became the bone of
contention between Maharaja and Afghanis. After the conquest of Attock,
Maharaja's solid and concrete target of conquest was Peshawar as the exigency of
time so demanded.

The murder of Wazir Fateh
Khan of Kabul in A.D. 1818 provided Maharaja the desired opportunity to attempt
the conquest of Peshawar as consequent to his murder the two major factions of
the Afghans-The Sadazui's and Barqzai's-came to be seen at dagger's drawn with
each other. Moreover, the possession of Peshawar except as a step to further
acquisitions, does not appear to have been advantageous to Ranjeet with
additional evil of leading Sikhs into constant collision with the savage tribes
of Afghanis.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh
availed himself of anarchy in Kabul and made as invasion of Peshawar, the
South-West-Eastern frontiers of Peshawar with Punjab having been neglected by
Sultan Yar Mohammed Khan and Dost Mohammad Khan, the then Afghan governors of
Peshawar who found themselves helpless and vacated the city. Punjabi forces with
Mian Ghausa and Diwan Mohkam Chand leading the charge With Sardar Nalua as
general of Cavalry didn't had to face any fight what so ever. Maharaja appointed
Jahan Dad Khan, ex governor of Attock as new governor of Peshawar in November
1818.

Then in 1822, Dost
Mohammad Khan and Yar Mohammad Khan were able to expel the Maharaja's nominee
Jahan Dad Khan from Peshawar and thus another expedition was undertook by
Punjabi forces. This time the forces were being led by cavalry by Sardar Hari
Singh Nalua, Foot soldiers by Dhanna Singh Malwai, and Jagat Singh Attariwala,
Artillery by Mian Ghausa. Dost Mohammad Khan managed to reconcile by paying a
handsome nazrana to Maharja and by accepting the submission to Khalsa kingdom
rather than to kingdom of Kabul. In Jan 1823, Muhammad Azim, the Kabul wazir
occupied Peshawar with the assistance of large army. Ranjit Singh sent another
expedition, the battles of Jahangira and Naushera were fought in March 1823
where Sardar Nalua, Akali Phula Singh, Gorkha Bal Bhadra, Mian Ghausa, Misr
Diwan Chand, Sardar Attar Singh marched in the battle field at the head of their
divisions and gave a defeat to the Afghans in the battle of Jahangira but a more
serious and awe inspiring battle was fought at Naushera which is also known as
the battle of Tibbi Tehri. General Allard and Ventura's participation in this
battle with their divisions and trained army of Lahore kingdom with Akali
division of the army had absolutely no match for untrained militia who although
surpassed in sheer numbers, Afghans after a great massacre submitted and
Naushera was captured. Albeit, the Lahore troops lost an indispensable
commander, Akali Phula Singh whose dashing feats of warfare had surprised one
and all. Hari Singh Nalua played a conspicuous role first by inflicting a
crushing defeat upon the enemy and secondly by pursuing the enemy after the
defeat in order to be sure about the victory of the Lahore troops. The battle of
Naushera made it evident to the frontier tribesmen that the Afghan militia was
weaker than those of Lahore troops. This battle sealed the further prospects of
Muhammad Azim of Kabul and established the Sikh supremacy over Peshawar.

In 1827, Sayed Ahmad
Bareli who claimed himself to be the messenger of Prophet Mohammad inspired the
tribesmen by fervent appeals to recover their territory from the "kafir"
or "Infidel" kingdom of Lahore. Yar Mohammad Khan also joined these
crusaders. These forces captured the Peshawar. Maharaja Ranjit Singh sent Hari
Singh Nalua to recapture the Peshawar as well as major parts around khyber pass.
Sardar Hari Singh Nalua gave blow to the rising power of Syed Ahmad Bareli
Griffin states that when Sayed Ahmad roused all the fanatic power of Yusafzais
for a holy war against Sikhs and was joined by the Barkazi chief of Peshawar,
Sardar Hari Singh Nalua with his 25,000 men prevented Syed Ahmad from crossing
Indus. Then Lahore troops crossed Indus and invaded Peshawar, Syed Ahmad and his
crusaders were butchered. Hari Singh gave Sayed a great setback. Peshawar was
pillaged, Palaces were destroyed, tribute of Peshawar was increased and the son
of Yar Mohammad Khan was carried away by Hari Singh as hostage. Then again, in
1830, Maharaja had to sent Prince Sher Singh to Peshawar to get tribute from
Sayed Ahmad which was paid.

Hari Singh was put to call
of duty in 1834 A.D for annexing Peshawar to the dominion of Maharaja Ranjit
Singh. On 6th May 1834, Peshawar was made part of Punjab and Hari Singh Nalua
was made his first non-Muslim governor. But most of Hari Singh time was spent at
Lahore, his division was situated in Lahore. A year after annexation of
Peshawar, Dost Mohammad, now the Afghan ruler of Kabul attempted to regain his
supremacy over strip of Peshawar. Tribesmen from Yusafzai, Mohmmand and Khatak
tribes of the vicinity were appealed in the name of religion to jump into holy
war or jehad against Sikhs in order to oust them from their region. But due to
unknown reasons these Afghan troops retreated long before confrontation.

Dost Mohammad Khan did not
rest contented and after mobilising all his resources dispatched his son Akbar
in A.D. 1837 to recover Peshawar which he did. Resultantly, Sardar Hari Singh
Nalua was sent at the head of Lahore troops to face Afghans. He got his forces
to Peshawar. Jamrud turned out to be the field of battle this time where a
formidable battle was fought. Sardar Hari Singh Nalua had earlier build a fort
on the entrance of Khyber pass called fort of Jamrud, this fort was being
commanded by Sardar Mahan Singh Mirpura. For want of man and war material Nalua
strove extraordinary hard, inspite of this he did not loose his heart. Urgent
messages were sent to Lahore and Peshawar for materials. For want of timely help
the Sardar was of course, killed but the Afghans could not dislodge the 500
Punjabi troops from the fort of Jamrud. General Hari Singh Nalua give his last
command to his men to not to disclose his death and continue giving enemy a good
fight.

Sir
Lepel Griffin, gives a detailed and comprehensive account of Sardar Nalua's
campaign of Jamrud. He points out that Sardar was directed to build a fort at
Jamrud situated at the entrance of Khber pass from the walls of which Maharaja
might glance Jalalabad in Afghanistan. Sardar got built a small port which was
quite impregnable to the artillery fire and could hold on for several weeks of
pounding. The Dost Mohammad Khan, with 7,000 horse, 2000 matchlock men and 18
guns. His three sons with their forces and a force of 12,000 to 15,000 of
Khaibiris joined the main force and started pounding the fort. Mahan Singh
Mirpura requested help from Peshwar where Hari Singh Nalua was ailing with
fever. While giving an account of the march of Sardar Hari Singh Nalua at the
head of Lahore troops to give fight to the Afghans at battle of Jamrud. Hari
immediately sent some horsemen to Lahore for more reinforcement and he along
with his soldiers went to Jamrud. Reinforcement under Hari Singh Nalua give a
new life to the garrison and attack of Afghanis was repulsed with vigour. Griffin
further states that when Hari Singh Nalua along with about five of his companion
went outside of the fort to inspect a breach in a wall, he was struck by two
balls, one in the side and the other in stomach. In spite of them understanding
that he was mortally injured, the Nalua Sardar managed to ride as far as his
camp lest the troops be discouraged. Then laying on floor he gives his last
order to his few trusted men, that was to not to disclose the secret of his
death.

Hari Singh further
imparted instructions to his soldiers to cover his dead body after lifting it
from the ground and placing it on a cot. Thus the great Sardar Hari Singh Nalua,
with the terror of whose name Afghan mothers used to quite their fretful
children attained his martyrdom.

Maharaja
Ranjeet
Singh
Ji

After
the Treaty of Amritsar with British which simply stated that the International
boundary of line between the Sarkar Khalsa and British India is Satluj. Ranjit
Singh was virtually made master of all the territory to the west of Satluj. But
there was several small kingdoms, like Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Kashmir, Multan,
Sialkot which were ruled by Afghani or local chiefs. Thus, Ranjit Singh first
turned towards North towards Kangra valley which was taken over from Raja Sansar
Chand by Gurkhas. Ranjit Singh's forces fought with Gurkhas in Kangra Valley in
the end the Gurkha leader Amar Singh thapa fled leaving the field to the Sikhs.
Ranjit Singh entered the fort of Kangra and held a royal Darbar which was
attended by the hill chiefs of Chamba, Nurpur, Kotla, Shahpur, Guler, Kahlur,
Mandi, Suket and Kulu. Desa Singh Majithia was appointed governor of Kangra.

Then Ranjit Singh sent a force under the command of Hukma Singh Chimmi to Jammu
and himself marched on to Khushab. The fort of Khushab was held by Jaffar Khan,
a Baluch chief. He gave up the city and defended the fort stoutly. Ranjit Singh
invited him to vacate the fort and accept a jagir. In few months, Jaffar Khan
accepted Ranjit Singh's terms and gave up the fort. He was given a jagir and
allowed to remain in Khushab with his family.

Meanwhile, Shah Shuja was arrested by a Afghani Ata Mohammad Khan who was
governor of Kashmir. Shah Shuja's wife Wafa Begum approached Ranjit Singh to get
her husband out of Kashmir. Ranjit Singh wanted Kohinoor diamond and he agreed.
Hari Singh Nalwa and other forces were dispatched along with the Afghani forces
of Wafa Begum. The Sikhs and Afghans crossed the Pir Panjal and entered the
valley of Kashmir towards the close of 1812. Shah Shuja was rescued from an
underground dungeon by Sardar Nihal Singh Attariwala. Hari Singh Nalwa was made
a new governor of Kashmir by Ranjit Singh. Shah Shuja was set free. Shah Shuja
invited Ranjit Singh to his house. A servant brought in a packet as they settled
down in their seats after mutual exchange of courtesies. Ranjit Singh watched
eagerly as the stone was being slowly unwrapped. He was beside himself with joy
when the Koh-i-nor, Mountain of Light was placed on his palm. The price of this
stone at that time was 6 crore rupees which comes to about Two million American
dollars with today's conversion factor. This diamond still exist in England and
is part of one of the Royal stone's.

Around this time, Ranjit Singh also got the fort of Attock by daring operations
of Hari Singh Nalwa and Desa Singh Majithia. Now Punjab under Ranjit Singh
extended from Satluj to river Attock and from Kashmir to Kasur. Early in 1817,
Ranjit Singh sent a body of troops to Multan under the command of Diwan Bhiwani
Das to receive from Nawab Muzaffar Khan the tribute he owed to the Sikh Darbar.
Bhiwani das laid siege to the city, but showed little vigour to pressing it. He
made a secret pact with the Nawab which led Ranjit Singh to recall him and
deprive him of his office. Ranjit Singh planned the afresh expedition and sent a
strong force under his son Kharak Singh's charge. He arranged for supplies to be
sent by boats down the river Ravi, the Chenab and the Jhelum. The system of
passing letters was organised in such a manner that the Maharaja received the
news from Multan by relays of messengers several times a day.

The fort of Multan was one of the strongest in
the country and Nawab Muzaffar Khan defended it with an equally strong heart.
Kharak Singh's
armies lay around it without making much headway. Ranjit Singh sent a big gun
Zamzama along with Akali Phula Singh's Nihang regiment. The Zamzama was fired
with effect and the gates were blown in. Akali Phula Singh made a sudden rush
and took the garrison by surprise. The grey bearded Nawab stood in his way,
sword in hand to fight, resolved to fight to death. His five sons died fighting.
Two surviving sons were giving jagirs by Ranjit Singh. their descendants are
still in possession of those lands in Pakistan. Prince Kharak Singh left Jodh
Singh Kalsia with 600 men to guard the fort of Multan. Now Ranjit Singh southern
boundary was Multan. In 1818, A.D. Ranjit Singh won Rohtas, Rawal Pindi and
Hasan Abdal. Then he made preparations to cross the river Attock and attack
Peshawar. These conquests are greatly explained with the biography of Hari Singh
Nalua . In 1819, Ranjit Singh had to attack Srinagar again, this time he made
Diwan Moti Das Governor, with Sham Singh Attariwala, Jawala Singh Padhania, and
Misr Diwan Chand to further assist him in the operations in valley. Ten
successive governors administered Kashmir during Sikh regime. One of them was
prince Sher Singh who cared the Sikh standard across the high mountains into
Ladakh. The conquest of Ladakh valley which was strategically very important,
made the frontier secure against the expanding influence of China. Sher Singh
sent General Zorawar Singh to march towards Tibet. Garo and Rudok were occupied
and the Lhasa armies attacked. Tibetian government signed a treaty with
Zorawar's armies.

The legacy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh

The Sikh court

Two Europeans, Ventura, an Italian by birth,
and Allard, a Frenchman, came to Lahore in 1822 to seek service in the Sikh
army. Both of them had served under Napoleon in the imperial army of France.
After Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo they lost their occupation and left Europe
to try their fortune in the East. They had heard many a tale of the grandeuf of
Ranjit Singh's court and were taken up with the idea of visiting Lahore. Ranjit
Singh, although not educated but was very wise and intelligent, he knew about
the exploits of Napoleon. Punjabi historians had compared them and Ranjit Singh
was even called Napoleon of the East. Ranjit Singh met these two European and he
received them kindly asked them about their health and journey, previous
employment, future plans. He showed them his troops on parade and provided
amenities for their entertainment. In April of 1822, they sent a letter to
Maharaja asking for an employment with his troops. The communication between
these soldiers and Maharaja was in French through the trusted aide Faqir
Nur-ud-din, who knew French, English, Persian as many other languages. Maharaja
wanted to make sure that these people did not had any contacts with British and
only when he was cent percent sure, he gave them command of 500 horsemen each.
This command had few Purbias (Bihari) and other Hindus of Central provinces,
employed with Ranjit Singh. They were also to train all forces of Sikhs in the
western method of drill. Ventura's army was called Fauj-e-Khas while little bit
later Allard was asked to raise a cavalry of fresh recruits. Then Ranjit Singh
also made them sign an agreement that in the event of a clash between Maharaja
and European power, they would remain loyal to Sarkar Khalsa and fight for him.
They were to wear their beards long and abstain from beef and tobacco. Ranjit
Singh provided houses for Ventura and Allard and gave them handsome salaries. To
Ventura he gave 40,000 rupees when he married a Muslim girl from Ludhiana. Two
villages were subsequently given to the daughter of Ventura as jagir. Ventura
built a house, which still exists near Anarkali, it is a beautiful Cheateau in
French style. This shows that even though Ranjit Singh was cautious but shrewd
and able enough to distinguish between people beneficial to him.

He selectively employed several more Europeans, such as Dr.Honigberger, a native
of Hungary. Evitable an Italian later appointed Governor of Peshawar. General
Court, a Frenchman who organised the artillery. Dr. Harlan an American, who
became governor of Jasrata and later Gujrat. Henry Stein Bach, a German was made
a battalion commander. Hurbon, a Spainard was an engineer. Dr. Benet, a
Frenchman was a surgeon-general of Khalsa Army. Viewkenawitch, a Russian held a
high rank in the artillery. There were a number of Englishmen too- Fitzroy,
Gillmore, Leslie, Harvey, and Foulkes, to mention but a few- who were employed
on various civil and military duties. With men of such diverse races,
nationalities and faiths to serve him, Ranjit Singh maintained a most
picturesque and cosmopolitan court. He was very kind to these foreigners. He
trusted them and gave them positions of responsibility and rewarded them
generously for their services. But he always kept a watchful eye on them and
never let them have an influence over him. They willingly submitted to his
natural dignity and served him faithfully.

Ranjit Singh's Lahore also attracted many visitors and travellers. Like his
foreign couriers, they came from all parts of the world. They were drawn by the
reports of the Maharaja's hospitality and his personal charm and joi de vivre.
What fascinated his visitors most was his unquenchable curiosity. He asked them
the most searching questions and his keenness of mind and range of interest
surprised everyone. Many travellers have written in their books of his
generosity, refined manner and mental alertness. He was always cheerful and
vivacious and transmitted the same spirit of heartiness to his visitors. In the
summer of 1821, William Moorcroft, the Superintendent of East India Company's
horses came to visit Ranjit Singh's court. A daily allowance of 100 rupees was
fixed for his entertainment. Moorcroft was also shown Sikh army, he was greatly
impressed by the turnout and discipline of the Sikh army. He also visited the
royal stables and remarked that some of Ranjit Singh's horses were the finest in
the world. On the way back from Bukhara, Moorcroft brought a letter from Prince
Nesselrode of Russia which contained greetings and good wishes from the ruler of
that country. It also expressed Russia's desire to have trade relations with the
country of Ranjit Singh. They traders from Punjab were assured welcome and
security in Russia.

Another famous traveller to visit Ranjit Singh was Baron Charles Hugel. He was a
German Scientist, who travelled extensively in the Punjab and Kashmir. In his
book, he wrote that Punjab under Ranjit Singh was safer than territories ruled
by the British. He also recorded his conversations with Ranjit Singh, who, as
usual, asked him many questions. He asked him if he had served as a soldier and
questioned him about the German armies and their wars with France. He asked him
what he thought of the Sikh army and whether it was in a fit state to confront a
European force.

Victor Jacque Mont, a French traveller, also praised Ranjit Singh's powers of
conversation and his shrewd judgement. He wrote in his book: "Ranjit Singh is
almost the first inquisitive Indian I have seen, but his curiosity makes up for
the apathy of his whole nation. He asked me a hundred thousand questions about
India, the English, Europe, Napoleon, this world in general and the other one.,
hell and paradise, the soul, God, the devil, and a thousand things besides."
There were several missionaries whom Ranjit Singh also met. Several requests to
open up churches, convent schools, etc were denied by Ranjit Singh. He asked
them to teach Punjabi language and Sikh scriptures instead. No wonder when
British took over Punjab after Ranjit Singh convent Schools were spread all over
Punjab.

He was a benevolent king. Even though the Government of Punjab was called Sarkar
Khalsa but no laws were imposed on any of the
minority or majority. Sikhs at his time were about 15% of whole population,
Hindus around 25%, rest were Muslims. He governed the forty years of his rule
from Lahore with secular ideals. He would fast with Muslims during Ramadan and
play Holi with Hindus., yet he would be at Amritsar almost every Month to take
bath. A poor Muslim from Lahore had written a Quran which he was going to take
to Delhi to sell at the Mughals court. Ranjit Singh asked him how much he wanted
and paid him twice. There is another story about Ranjit Singh. One year, crops
totally die and due to a massive famine, people were starving. So being a king,
he opened up all the state stores for people. Ranjit Singh would often roam in
streets of Lahore in disguise to check his rule, whether people are happy or
not. That night he saw an old woman who could not carry a bag of wheat to her
house where her children were starving. He carried that bag to her house on his
back. Although he was a devout Sikh but he cannot be called a strict Khalsa Sikh
adhering to all the principles of Sikhism. He was a very well disciplined
soldier of Khalsa who was also a secular as well as enjoying his life, like
drinking, etc. The spirit of stern religious discipline and sacrifice which had
supported Sikhs through a critical period of their history and led them to power
and glory was dimmed in the pomp and splendour of sovereignty. Ranjit Singh's
death on June 27, 1839, left a deep hiatus. The Khalsa lost a leader who had, by
commanding personality, foresight and skill, become their beau ideal and secured
them the status of sovereign people. The British had by then taken practically
the whole of India, except the Punjab and Sind.

Bhai
Kanhaiya Singh Ji

Bhai Kanhaiya ji was
founder of Sevapanthi or Addanshahi sect of the Sikhs. He was born in a Dhamman
Khatri family of Sodhara near Wazirabad in Sialkot District (Now in Pakistan).
His father was a wealthy trader, but he himself being of a religious bent of
mind left home when still very young and roamed about With sadhus and ascetics
in search of spiritual peace. His quest ended as he met Guru Tegh Bahadur
1621-75) and accepted initiation at his hands. Kanhaiya established a dharamsal
at Kavha village in the present Attock district of Pakistan. Which he turned
into a preaching centre. His special mission was selfless service of humanity
with no distinction of nationality, caste or creed. In 1705, he was on a visit
to Anandpur when Anandpur was invested by a combination of hill troops and the
Mughal imperial army. During the frequent sallies and skirmishes, Bhai Kanhaiya
used to roam around serving water to the wounded and the dying without
distinction of friend and foe. Some Sikhs complained to Guru Gobind Singh that
Kanhaiya had been resuscitating the fallen enemy soldiers. As Guru Gobind Singh
summoned Bhat Kanhaiya and told him What the Sikhs had said, he spoke, "Yes, my
Lord, what they said is true in a sense, but I saw no Mughals or Sikhs in the
battlefield. I only saw the Guru's face in everyone. " The Guru, pleased with
the reply, blessed him and told his Sikhs that Kanhaiya had understood his
teaching correctly. Guru also give him medicine to be put on the wounds of
fallen soldiers (Sikhs and Enemies).

After evacuation of
Anandpur, Bhai Kanhaiya retired to Sodhara where he died in 1718

Sardar Jassa Singh
Ramgharia

Jassa Singh Ramgarhia was a born leader of unprecedented
qualities. His birth took place near city of Amritsar. He was 5 years old when
Banda Singh Bahadur attained martyrdom at Delhi. He was among the crop of those
Sikhs who had fought against all odds for survival of their newly founded
religion. In those times all Sikhs, cook, ate, fought together and Sikhism was
thought of a family. Sardar Kapur Singh was elder and an able leader, Jassa
Singh Ramgarhia, Sardar Budh Singh Sandhu (grand father of Ranjit Singh), and
others were able leaders fighting Mughals and Afghnis keeping Khalsa flame alive
with their resistance. In around 1720's Mughals decided to offer truce to these
Sikh leaders and sent some gifts to them in mountains where they were hiding.
Mughals offered three towns for Sikhs and title of Nawab for their leader. Five
Sikh leaders which includes Budh Singh, Jassa Singh Ramgarhia and others decided
to make Kapur Singh Supreme Jathedar of Dal Khalsa and Kapur Singh accepted it
only when he was reminded of Guru's order to listen to the anonymous order of
Five Gursikhs . Later this group of Sikh leaders created Misals and two factions
of Sikhs called Budha Dal and Taruna Dal. Jassa Singh Ahluwalia were youngsters
leading their regiments under Taruna Dal and reporting to Jathedar Kapur Singh
ji at Diwali and Vasaikhi.

Under Dal Khalsa, Jassa Singh Ramgarhia established his Misl of
Ramgarhia in and around riarki area of Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Batala. He also
fortified and constructed fort of Ram Rauni at Amritsar. His misal contained
more then 5000 cavalry always on move and helping Dal Khalsa whenever Afghanis
or Mughals attacked. Sikhs at this time were in control of villages while Mughal
administration was only effective in cities. Twenty years Earlier Banda Bahadur
had wrecked a havoc on administration by abolishing all taxes and Zamindara
system. Now Sikhs only levied "Dasvand", that is 10% of their income for Rakhi
tax or "protection tax" for armies.

Mir Mannu became the new governor of Lahore and Multan on the
9th April 1748 A.D. He appointed Kaura Mal as his new Diwan. After setting right
the administration of his province, he deployed army patrol to finish the Sikhs
of his province. The Sikhs left his territory and moved to other states. Sardar
Jassa singh Ramgarhia and his squad joined the army of the Commander of
Jalandhar, named Adina Beg. Adina Beg was a cunning treacherous soft and sweet
speaking mean person. Adina Beg on one hand would woo Sikhs to join him against
Mughals on the other hand he had secret links with Afghanis, while he drew his
salary from Mughals. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, being a simple minded person trusted
Adina Beg and joined his army.

The Sikhs gathered at Amritsar on the occasion of Diwali in 1748
A.D. When Mir Mannu came to know of the gathering of Sikhs, he sent his general
with an army to blockade Amritsar and sent words to the Commander of Jalandhar,
Adina beg to to take his army to help his general in finishing the Sikhs. Adina
Beg not telling his Sikh army personnel attacked fort of Ram Rauni. Five hundred
Singhs took shelter in fort of Ram Rauni and the rest moved to forests. The
combined forces of Lahore and Jalandhar surrounded the fort. Sardar Jassa Singh
Ramgarhia was in army who was in siege of fort, with his squad. Plight of his
fellow Sikhs sorrounded in the fort of Ram Rauni was too much for him and his
squad. One day he deserted the royal army and joined the Singhs inside the fort
with his squad. The Singhs inside the fort did not surrender even after two
months of siege. Adina Beg felt the departure of the Jassa Singh Ramgarhia in
this manner very much but could not do anything. Hearing the news of the second
invasion of Abdali, Mir Mannu made peace with Sikhs and sanctioned an estate in
Patti area for the livelihood. Thus Jassa Singh Ramgarhia won the battle of Ram
Rauni.

Abdali attacked India and Jassa Singh's squad along with other
Sikh squad was deployed in and around hills of Jammu, Pathonkot, to harass and
snatch Abdali's baggage train. His 5000 cavalry soldiers harassed Abdali's
Afghanis through Guerilla tactics of warfare that Abdali lost more soldiers to
Sikhs in this type of warfare than his battle with Marthas. Around same time
Jassa Singh Ahluwalia freed 2200 young Hindu women from Afghanis who were being
taken to the harems and bazaars of Kabul, Baghdad and Basra. It was blessings of
Waheguru (the almighty God) that Sikhs who were weak and few had defeated Abdali.

Next year Abdali returned to Punjab only to punish Sikhs.
Mughals at this time were under his protectorate and small Mughal chieftains
like, Nawab of Sarhind, and Sher Khan, Nawab of Malerkotla as well as other
small time nawabs all over Punjab helped Abdali to sorround Sikhs at a place
near Malerkotla called Kup. Taruna Dal and Buddha Dal sorrounded Women and
children and fought head on for the first time with Abdali and his allies. Sikhs
were outnumbered five to one (including women and chlidren on Sikh side). In
this battle Sikhs lost about 30-45000 Sikhs in single day of battle and to this
day it is called "The greater holocaust"., or "Wadda Ghalughara"

After this incident, Sikhs came out strong and in less than five
years Sikhs had defeated all Mughals and Afghani protectorate in between area of
River Jamuna and River Indus. Jassa Singh's Ramgarhia Misl had played major part
in this struggle. Later Ranjit Singh incorporated Ramgahia Misal into Sarkar
Khalsa and thus a one unified Khalsa kingdom was created.